An applicant expecting to be awarded a baccalaureate degree may have his or her law school application considered before graduation. Any such applicant must request that official transcripts be sent to the LSDAS, documenting the applicant's record during the first seven semesters or ten quarters of his or her undergraduate education.

Upon graduation from undergraduate school, an admitted applicant must also request the undergraduate registrar to send an official transcript to the School of Law.

All records become a part of the applicant's official file and will not be returned.

If an applicant's LSAT score is more than three years old when the application is considered, the Admission Committee may request that the applicant retake the test and submit an updated LSDAS report.

Recommendations

The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation from instructors, employers, or supervisors.

Applicants who have received their undergraduate or graduate degree within the preceding three years must include an academic letter of reference.

No particular form is required for the letters of recommendation.

In evaluating the applicant's aptitude, character, and promise, the Admission Committee will discount any perfunctory letters from persons only casually acquainted with the applicant.

Personal Statement

The personal statement must be typewritten, single-spaced, and not more than 350 words in length.

The statement should detail evidence of qualities beyond academic abilities, such as leadership ability, service to others, maturity, organizational skills, familiarity with other languages and cultures, a history of overcoming disadvantage, extraordinary accomplishment, or success in a previous career.

The statement should also explain what contributions you may bring to The University of South Dakota School of Law and the legal profession.

Application Fee

Thirty-five dollars ($35.00)

Payment can be made through LSAC at the time of application.

Applicants can opt to send payment directly to the Law School.

The check should be made payable to USD.

The application fee is non-refundable.

Note: Applicants to the Law School are advised that there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to a state's bar. The applicant, prior to matriculation, should determine what those requirements are in the state in which the applicant intends to practice. Contact information for state bar examinations is located at www.ncbex.org.